Group Asks McAlester to Reinstate Cross to Signs

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) — Several McAlester churches have asked the city council to reverse a decision by the city manager to remove silhouettes on street signs that depict soldiers kneeling before a cross.

The McAlester News-Capital reports the Gaines Creek Association of Free Will Baptists sent a letter to the McAlester City Council asking that the silhouettes be placed back on the signs.

The city says it removed the silhouettes after a resident complained that it violated the separation of church and state. City Attorney Joe Ervin says the city can't depict a Christian symbol on its street signs.

The silhouettes had been placed above the street signs throughout the city.

The group argues that the signs depict silent prayer, which should be protected by free speech.